Full Breakdown
San Francisco Parents Charged with Murder Following Toddler's Fentanyl Overdose
4/16/2026, 5:30:25 AM
Overview of the Case
Michelle Price and Steven Ramirez, parents of a two-year-old girl named Stevie Price, have been charged with murder following her death from a fentanyl overdose in San Francisco. The charges were announced by District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who emphasized the parents' awareness of the dangers associated with fentanyl, which they allegedly failed to mitigate by leaving the substance within reach of their child.
Details of the Incident
The tragic incident occurred on February 12, when San Francisco Police Department officers responded to a 911 call regarding a child not breathing. Upon arrival, they found Stevie deceased, exhibiting signs of rigor mortis and lividity, indicating she had been dead for several hours. The investigation revealed the presence of drug paraphernalia, a used Narcan container, fentanyl, and spoiled milk in the home. Both parents reportedly had high levels of fentanyl and methamphetamine in their systems at the time of their arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Initially charged with felony child endangerment, the parents now face murder charges due to the circumstances surrounding Stevie's death. Jenkins stated, “There’s no question that they understood its lethality... Still, (they) made a choice to continue to expose her to it.” The case marks a significant legal precedent for the district attorney's office, as it is the first time murder charges have been filed in connection with a child's fentanyl overdose in San Francisco.
Child Protective Services Involvement
Assistant District Attorney Leigh Frazier highlighted that Child Protective Services (CPS) had prior knowledge of neglect involving the child but failed to intervene effectively. He noted that “prior CPS supervision, formal interventions, and monitoring failed to prevent continued neglect, ongoing drug use in the residence, and ultimately the death of the child.” This raises questions about the effectiveness of child welfare systems in preventing such tragedies.
Official Statements
Brooke Jenkins reiterated the need for stringent measures to protect children from the dangers of fentanyl, stating, “We must protect the children in San Francisco. We cannot have environments where fentanyl is left available to young children.” The district attorney's office is committed to addressing the drug epidemic in Northern California, with Jenkins vowing to hold accountable those who endanger children.
Next Steps in the Case
The case remains under active investigation, with the parents' next hearing scheduled for Thursday. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of this case may influence future policies regarding child welfare and drug-related offenses in the region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s no question that they understood its lethality, that they understood the harm it had caused this child when she was born.” — Brooke Jenkins, District Attorney
- “We must protect the children in San Francisco,” — Brooke Jenkins, District Attorney
- “Prior CPS supervision, formal interventions, and monitoring failed to prevent continued neglect, ongoing drug use in the residence, and ultimately the death of the child.” — Leigh Frazier, Assistant District Attorney
